CAMPBELL RIVER, B.C. – The Campbell River Storm are pleased to announce the signing of defenceman 2008 born right-handed defenseman Brady Desharnais for the 2026-27 season.
Desharnais comes to Campbell River after spending the past two seasons with the Coquitlam HC 18U program, where he tallied 32 points over 58 games. The blueliner also gained valuable junior experience last season, suiting up for two games with the Coquitlam Express of the BCHL.
A connection to the Express organization played a role in Desharnais’ decision to join the Storm.
“I signed with the Campbell River Storm as I felt it was a good fit for me to develop my game into becoming a better player in hopes of making it to the next level,” said Desharnais. “The culture that was talked about during the recruiting process was also a huge factor as last year it was a big thing for me and I’m hoping to carry that on to this year. I also have a connection with the coaches through the Coquitlam Express program and have been able to see first-hand the kind of feedback I would get during the season to help me improve as not only a player but also a person.”
Desharnais describes himself as a battle-tested, defensive-minded blueliner with offensive upside.
“I bring a hard-nosed two-way style of play with a reliable first pass,” he said. “I like to get in the corners and establish myself as someone who is hard to play against. I can also show some offence from time to time and am excited to work on that side of my game more as well this year.”
The Coquitlam native is also looking forward to experiencing junior hockey in a tight-knit community for the first time.
“I am most excited for the fanbase in Campbell River,” said Desharnais. “Coming from a bigger city I never really got to experience the support a smaller town gives to their sports teams, so I am greatly looking forward to seeing all the fans and supporters at each home game.”
Storm Head Coach and General Manager Lee Stone is excited to add Desharnais to a deepening defensive core.
“Brady is a super dependable, two-way defenseman that takes serious pride in doing the little things necessary to win games,” said Stone. “He has a strong defensive stick, plays a hard game and his willingness to sacrifice for the team is second to none!”
Stone sees significant upside in the young blueliner’s game.
“Brady makes a good first pass and will be a key defenseman in our lineup this upcoming season and we believe he will be a Jr A defenseman in the near future!”
CAMPBELL RIVER, BC — The Campbell River Storm of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL) are pleased to announce the signing of 2007-born forward Aidan Ansell for the upcoming 2026-27 season.
Ansell, a left-handed forward, brings two years of junior hockey experience to Campbell River. The 18-year-old split the 2025-26 season between the Chilliwack Jets and Nelson Leafs, having spent his entire rookie campaign in 2024-25 with the Jets. Over the course of his junior career, Ansell has appeared in 79 games and established himself as a physical, high-compete presence up front.
“Aidan is a gamer,” said Storm Head Coach and General Manager Lee Stone. “The type of player that you win hockey games in March and April with. He is great on the forecheck and provides a level of physicality that Storm fans will fall in love with.”
“He gets the game and understands how a dressing room should run. He knows that doing the little things on and off the ice makes a difference every day. We are thrilled to welcome Aidan to the Storm family and can’t wait to see him leaving his mark at the Brindy!”
Ansell cited the organization’s environment and coaching staff as key factors in his decision to sign with Campbell River.
“I signed with the Storm because of the professional setting the organization gives, the positive communication you can have with the coaches and the opportunity the Storm has provided me,” said Ansell.
“I look forward to the culture and the facilities. Coaches were saying how much they care about culture, which I believe is one of the most important things a hockey team needs during the season.”
A self-described physical, play-driving winger, Ansell models his game after Washington Capitals power forward Tom Wilson.
“A style of player I like to base my game off is Tom Wilson — he’s been my idol for a while,” said Ansell. “I love the role of being first into corners and engaging the game physically to create space for my team while also making plays and helping the team.”
Ansell joins a growing Storm roster as the organization continues to build toward the 2026-27 VIJHL season.
CAMPBELL RIVER, BC – The Campbell River Storm of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL) are pleased to announce the signing of goaltender Rhys Penninga. The 2008-born netminder joins the Storm after an outstanding season with the Coquitlam HC 18U program in the JPHL.
Penninga was one of the most decorated goaltenders in the JPHL 18U division last season, finishing 1st in save percentage with a .941 SP and 3rd in goals against average with a 2.26 GAA. His numbers position him as one of the most sought-after goaltending prospects from his age group on the West Coast.
“Rhys is a bonafide goalie prospect that was one of, if not, the best goalie in the JPHL 18U league last season,” said Head Coach and General Manager Lee Stone. “He’s a very athletic goalie that moves incredibly well in his paint. He also comes from a program where culture and discipline are at the forefront.”
Stone believes the signing will have an immediate impact on the Storm’s program heading into the 2026-27 season. “We think Rhys strengthens our program both on and off the ice and can be a top goaltender in the VIJHL!”
For Penninga, the decision to join Campbell River was rooted in the organization’s values. “I signed with the Campbell River Storm because it’s a culture and development first environment where I can develop my game, as well as playing with a family and not just a team,” said Penninga.
The young netminder is eager to make his mark in the league and bring his competitive edge to the crease.
“I am a fast, athletic, and competitive goalie that will do anything to keep the puck out of the net,” he said. “I look forward to winning in front of the best fans in the VIJHL!”
The Campbell River Storm open the 2026-27 VIJHL season this fall. Fans are encouraged to follow the team on social media for the latest roster news and updates.
Bosum joins a growing Storm roster as the organization continues to build toward the 2026-27 VIJHL season. Stay tuned to Storm channels for further roster and organizational announcements.
Campbell River, BC — The Campbell River Storm are pleased to announce the signing of 2007-born right-hand defenseman Kadyn Garcia.
Garcia arrives in Campbell River after a productive 2024-25 campaign with the Louisiana Drillers of the North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL), where he posted 3 goals and 29 assists for 32 points in 27 games. The blueliner also appeared in four games with the Storm, giving the organization an early look at his abilities at the junior level.
“Kadyn is someone we have seen first hand playing Spring (BCSHL) with the Express,” said Head Coach and General Manager Lee Stone.
“His ability to transition pucks and beat F1 on the forecheck should translate incredibly well to our league. He defends the rush well and understands how and when to kill plays.”
Garcia cited the Storm’s reputation for player development as a key factor in his decision to sign with Campbell River.
“I signed with the Campbell River Storm because they are known as a team that grows and develops players on ice skills, but also helps them grow into great people off the ice as well,” said Garcia.
No stranger to the community, Garcia is eager to reconnect with the region he has come to know well.
“I’ve spent some time in Campbell River, so the thing I’m looking forward to most is being able to be part of such an amazing community,” he said.
Garcia arrives with championship aspirations firmly in mind heading into the new season.
“My goal for this season is to bring yet another championship back to Campbell River,” he said.
The Storm currently have their sights set on their combined camp with the Comox Valley Glacier Kings on May 29-31. For more information follow the Storm on all social media channels and visit www.campbellriverstorm.com
The Storm begin play in the 2025-26 VIJHL season later this fall. Stay tuned to the Campbell River Storm’s official channels for further roster and schedule announcements.
Campbell River, BC – The Campbell River Storm are proud to announce the signing of 2009-born forward Linden Kennedy. A Campbell River native, Kennedy returns home after spending last season with Delta Hockey Academy.
Kennedy brings an intelligent, two-way game to the Storm lineup, with a strong compete level and a team-first mentality. For the young forward, the opportunity to play junior hockey in his own backyard carries special meaning.
“I am most excited to play junior hockey at home and play for an amazing fan base,” said Kennedy. “Playing in front of my family means the world to me and I’m looking forward to meeting lots of new people in the Storm community!”
When asked to describe his game, Kennedy offered a confident and clear-eyed assessment. “I would describe myself as a smart, hard to play against, 200-foot player. Someone who can move the puck well and is a great team guy.”
Head Coach and General Manager Lee Stone has followed Kennedy’s development closely and is excited about what he brings to the Storm dressing room.
“Linden is someone I’ve worked closely with over the last several years and he is an outstanding young man full of personality. He will be a great fit in our dressing room, and even though he’s a young player, he will be a true glue guy in the room.”
Stone also highlighted the on-ice attributes that make Kennedy ready to contribute at the junior level right away.
“His tenacity and willingness to engage physically are both traits that will allow him to succeed against older players. His faceoff prowess and ability to block shots makes him reliable in all defensive situations, including killing penalties.”
Please join us in welcoming Linden Kennedy to the Storm family.
